Raji: An Ancient Epic
The game incorporates Hindu mythology and takes inspiration from epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Graphically, the game is designed in the style of Pahari paintings, and the in-game architecture is modeled after that of medieval Rajasthan.[5]
Raji: An Ancient Epic
As she reaches the Land of the Mystics, Raji finds that many of them have been either killed or turned to stone by Mahabalasura. After fighting through the demon hordes and calming the Naga, the giant serpent demigod and guardian of the land, she finally confronts Mahabalasura. He forces the Mystic chief to give him an ancient scroll and escapes after attacking Raji and being wounded by her. Raji, near death, is revived by the Mystics and reunites with her brother. However, it is revealed that Mahabalasura wants to get revenge on the Gods for imprisoning him. His plan is to open the gates of heaven, allowing him to invade the realm of the Gods and destroy them. The scroll he took from the Mystic chief contained the incantation to open the gates. Raji has been chosen as the warrior who will destroy him and restore the cosmic balance. So, she continues her journey, leaving Golu with the Mystics.
For the very first time, experience a game set in ancient India and infused with Hindu and Balinese mythology. You will find yourself immersed in ancient India where every corner is begging to be explored.
From enchanting stories from the lore of the game to tightly packed battles against ferocious demons and bosses, ancient puzzles, massive forts and palaces, experience a sibling story who find themselves at the center of a divine war.
Raji: An Ancient Epic follows the story of a young girl, Raji, in search of her brother Golu, who was kidnapped. We begin with the backstory of Raji and Golu working at a carnival; Raji would walk the tightrope while Golu would tell ancient stories involving their religion of Hinduism with his puppets. During one of his stories where demons disappeared, they suddenly reappear at the carnival and take Golu. This is where our adventure begins, as we take control of Raji who was knocked out in the scuffle.
Speaking of the different myths that are depicted through the murals, there are quite a few that are strewn throughout the game. But only a few of these seem pertinent to the narrative of the game. And others just seem to have been included for the sake of it. But what Raji does well is introduce the world to the Hindu pantheon of goddesses and gods.
Add to that the stories of Hindu mythology that are weaved into Raji, either as part of the game's central narrative or depicted as murals, which are explained by way of reflecting on memories by Raji's narrators, the Goddess of War Durga and the God of Preservation Vishnu, and there's a lot of intricate detail to take in. In doing so, Raji becomes a gateway to introduce Indian mythos to newer generations and audiences.
We are happy to announce that our award-winning action-adventure Raji: An Ancient Epic is available now on Xbox One! Our game is steeped in ancient Indian folklore, artwork, and music. Players immerse themselves in the story of a young girl who has been tasked by the gods to battle a demonic invasion and save her brother.
For the very first time, experience a game set in ancient India and infused with Hindu and Balinese mythology. You will find yourself immersed in ancient India where every corner is begging to be explored.From enchanting stories from the lore of the game to tightly packed battles against ferocious demons and bosses, ancient puzzles, massive forts and palaces, experience a sibling story who find themselves at the center of a divine war.
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.
The demon-infested ancient Indian world really catches my eye. Raji captures the vibrancy and colour of Hindu mythology rather beautifully, I think. I like the shadow puppet style of cutscenes, and the way the camera zooms out sometimes to let you soak in the sights. Plus, it's refreshing to see a game steeped in this culture and its history for once.
Rare is the opportunity for players in Western culture to get exposure to games steeped in mythology and iconography from other parts of the worlds. Many of the games we play from other parts of the world have either been heavily influenced by the juggernaut of American pop culture, or are filtered through the lens of interpretation, losing subtlety and authenticity in the process. When something like Raji: An Ancient Epic comes along, a bona fide adventure set in ancient Indian culture and its rich, storied mythologies, it is an instant head-turner.
Along the way Vishnu and Durga provide insight into the many myths and tales depicted either through beautiful stone canvases or shadow puppet cutscenes that are intricately detailed in their design and further lift the poetic voice of the storytelling. It was always intriguing to hear Vishnu describe the events being depicted in some of the stunning paintings, and learn more about some of the characters within the story and other Hindu or Balinese myths.
Video games are no stranger to using mythology as the backbone of their storytelling, settings, and characters. The God of War series had dabbled both in Greek mythology, and Norse mythology, with the Assassin's Creed series doing much of the same, on top of some Egyptian mythology. It's often the case that games revolve around these ancient civilizations, and their pantheon of gods. Hindu mythology, however, is rarely the focal point of the narrative.
Raji: An Ancient Epic sees the titular orphan character attempt to rescue her brother, Golu, who has been kidnaped by a gang of demons. As she embarks on her journey, the Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu observe her, eventually lending their aid to Raji by granting her a magical trident, a trishula. As the story unravels, players will soon learn more about the other Hindu gods, Mystics, and other figures steeped in a rich mythology that dates back thousands of years. For those who are a little tired of the usual mythology settings, Raji: An Ancient Epic is the perfect alternative, offering an accessible and entertaining way to discover more about the civilization and its ancient history.
The weapons and combat in this game are perfectly serviceable and occasionally touch greatness. Enemies typically appear in groups of three to six, but Raji is agile and powerful enough to handle whatever comes her way. She has a particularly impressive dodge roll; it feels responsive and gives her plenty of space to escape a tough situation and execute a counterattack. The divine weapons she acquires throughout her journey are all taken from mythology and radiate power. Imbuing the weapons with the elemental powers of fire, ice, and electricity is hardly a new idea, but it works well here because it feels inspired by the mythology. It is always satisfying to blast enemies with chain lightning from an enchanted spear, and knowing that it was wielded by an ancient goddess who is now bestowing her favor upon Raji feels even better.
Nodding Heads Games makes their developmental debut with this action-filled and acrobatic adventure. Medieval India has never looked so vibrant and colorful as you climb your way through a simply stunning visual experience. Obtain magical weapons, and learn elemental skills to fight dark manifestations from ancient Hindu Mythology. A once Nintendo Switch exclusive, this title has been ported to PC, thus satiating those who prefer different gaming peripherals. Raji: An Ancient Epic is an adventure worth picking up, even if the core gameplay is a little rough around the edges.
Tropes: Action Girl: Raji is the girl chosen by the gods to defend the earth but her journey becomes personal when she learns of her brother's kidnapping.
An Ice Person: Shiva can empower Raji's weapons with ice, resulting in up to three possible effects.
Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever: Rangda definitely qualifies.
Death from Above: If specced properly, empowering Raji's weapon with fire or lightning results in weapon strikes having a chance of dropping a Bolt of Divine Retribution or a Flaming Meteor on opponents.
Distressed Dude: Raji's brother's kidnapping triggers the plot.
Does Not Like Shoes: Like most girls in ancient India, Raji is perpetually barefoot, wearing only a pair of anklets which can be heard as she runs.
The Epic: The game is set in ancient India and has a very deep story for its genre.
Energy Bow: Sharanga is a solid bow, but, like Raji's other weapons, can disappear into light when she's not using it. The arrows it fires are definitely energy-based, though.
Fire, Ice, Lightning: Raji can infuse her weapons with these elements, providing different effects depending on what the Favor Orbs that she has collected are specced into.
God in Human Form: It's unstated but heavily implied that Raji is an incarnation of Durga, as she mentions finding certain areas related to gods familiar despite never having been there before.
Great Bow: Sharanga certainly qualifies, being about as big as Raji herself.
Literally Shattered Lives: One of the powers resulting from empowering Raji's weapons with ice results in strikes having a chance to freeze struck enemies. Frozen enemies shatter if she gets another hit in before they thaw.
Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: When wielding Nandaka and Srivatsa, the latter can be used to form a barrier around Raji.
Me's a Crowd: Mahabalasura can do this. He ends up using his clones to escape Raji, and manages to achieve his goal while she's still busy fighting them.
Playing with Fire: Vishnu can empower Raji's weapons with fire, resulting in up to three possible effects.
Rings of Death: The final weapon in the game, and easily the most effective, is the Chakra. Its powerful hits and the fact that you merely have to face your opponent to be able to attack it means that it trivializes normal encounters. Of course, you only get it at the very end of the game, where you only have a few such normal encounters to go through in order to get used to using it before reaching the Final Boss.
Sequel Hook: Mahabalasura ultimately achieves his goal, releasing yet-unknown horrors into the world. Raji successfully reunites with Golu, but after he assisted Mahabalasura, for currently unknown reasons.
Shock and Awe: Durga can empower Raji's weapons with lightning, resulting in up to three possible effects.
Wall Jump: Less for traversal(there aren't many areas where the walls are set up to allow a series of wall jumps), and more that Raji has specific attacks that are performed while still in the air following a wall jump.
041b061a72